Browsing by Author "Asfaw Zemede (PhD)"

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    Alternative Technologies for Sustainable Agricultural Production and Agroecosystem Conservation in Arsi Highlands, Southeastern Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-07) Mengesha Berhanu; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Kelbessa Ensermu (Professor))
    Alternative technologies for sustainable agricultural production and ecosystem conservation study were conducted in Arsi Zone, Oromia Region. A total of 180 sample households were selected from 12 kebeles (smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia) of four weredas (districts). The households were stratified into rich, medium and poor wealth groups based on local criteria. Biophysical and socioeconomic data were collected using semi-structured interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews of key informants. Data on socioeconomics, agricultural crops and tree and shrub species were organized and analysed using computer software: SPSS, EXCEL and PAST. The diversity and composition of crop, tree and shrub species and agricultural crop production were characterized and the factors that affect their dynamics were identified. A total of 44 agricultural crop species were recorded of which Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, Eragrostis tef and Zea mays were the most common crops. In addition, a total of 90 tree and shrub species were recorded, among which, Juniperus procera, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Podocarpus falcatus, Acacia tortilis, Acacia etbaica and Hagenia abyssinica were the main indigneous and multipurpose tree species. Eucalyptus globulus occurred in most of the farms (63%) and was the most important exotic tree species with highest relative values as fuelwood (35.6), construction (37.8), windbreak (22.2), income generation (30.0) and conservation (13.3). There were differences in averge annual incomes of the households among the rich (Birr 13,712), medium (Birr 9,148) and poor (Birr 5967) wealth groups. The main factors which were identified to create differences among the wealth groups were: landholding, family size, livestock resources, agricultural crop and tree and shrub species diversity and income sources in all weredas. The rich had more average landholding, number of livestock and use mix of x organic and inorganic fertilizers than the medium wealth group households and the medium wealth group had more average landholding, number of livestock and use mix of organic and inorganic fertilizers than the poor households. Thus, the uses of diversified and low agricultural inputs technologies have effect on the improvements of the livelihoods of the local communities. To ensure sustainable agricultural production and agroecosystem conservation, it is concluded that the country‘s educational, research and extension systems have much work ahead to support extension workers, farmers and policy makers in order to adequately deal with complex local farming systems that have co-evolved with human societies to fit local ecological conditions and satisfy human needs. Key words: Agroecological approach, biodiversity, diversification, ecosystem
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    Conservation of Brachylaena huillensis O.Hoffm (Asteraceae) in Dindili Forest Reserve, Morogoro, Tanzania
    (Addis Ababa University, 2006-07) Perfect Joseph; Woldu Zerihun (Professor); Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    A flagship species is a species chosen to represent an environmental cause, such as an ecosystem in need of conservation, it is chosen for its vulnerability, attractiveness or distinctiveness in order to best engender support and acknowledgement from the public at large. Brachylaena huillensis O.Hoffm (Asteraceae) is a threatened economically important tree species commonly found in dry coastal forests of Tanzania and a potential flagship species in conservation of its habitat. The study was done around Dindili forest reserve, Fulwe village, Morogoro, to assess B. huillensis standing and harvested wood stocks, coppice regeneration, use, management and its flagship species potential in conserving its habitat. Data were collected using forest inventory, focus group discussion and quantitative ethnobotany (use values, direct matrix ranking, preference ranking and structured interview). The standing wood stock of B. huillensis, was found to be substantial as revealed by relatively high tree density (15 stems per/ ha), basal area (0.73m2/ha), volume (5.63m3/ha) and IVI (13.87). B. huillensis was found to be highly harvested as indicated by over one-third of previously standing wood stock already harvested. The observed preferential harvesting of female B. huillensis tree presents a serious ecological threat to its future successful reproduction. B. huillensis density distribution by dbh classes showed abnormal trend, which signify poor recruitment and regeneration. The results of coppice regeneration found B. huillensis to be a very poor resprouter. However, its regeneration from seed is promising in the forest reserve. The species (B. huillensis) was found to be known by 84% of respondents and used by 78% of them for different purposes. The species is intensively utilized for poles and posts as mentioned by 76% of respondents, its poles were claimed to be durable and extremely resistant to termites. Results of preference ranking showed that it is the most preferred species for building poles and the most sold tree species; it was also positioned second in carving use category. B. huillensis was found to be a useful multipurpose tree species as it was ranked second and fourth in direct matrix ranking and use values respectively. The ongoing Joint Forest Management (JFM) of the forest reserve does not show positive results, mainly due to lack of important socio-economic considerations during its inception. Frequent fires threaten the perpetuity of the studied coastal forest. Based on the developed criteria, B. huillensis was found to be an excellent flagship species in conservation of its habitat. Among others, the study recommends research on B.huillensis sex-ratio, restoration of its normal regeneration trend in the forest reserve and review of JFM.
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    Diversity, Distribution and Potential values of Vegetables in Mgori Division, Singida-Tanzania
    (Addis Ababa University, 2004-07) JolIn Raymond; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Woldu Zerihun (Professor)
    This study employed both ecological and ethnobotanical approaches to document information about the diversity, distribution and potential values of vegetable plant species at Mgori Division of Singida Rural District, in Central Tanzania. The plant species diversity and distribution in Mgori Forest Reserve (MOF) have been described. A total of 304 plant species were collected and identified representing 53 families. Of these 56 species belonging to 21 families were identified by the local people important for use as vegetables. This accounts for 18.4% of all the identified plant species in the area. About 35.7% of the plant species recognised as vegetables having medicinal values. Such plants with both food and medicinal values are called nutraceutical plants. It was therefore found out that, 90% % of these nutraceuticals are used as remedies of human ailments and only 5.3% are used for the treatment of animal diseases. Adansonia digifata, Solanlllll nigrulIl and Mukia lIladeraspatana are used for the treatment of both human and livestock ailments. Amaranthaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Tiliaceae each contributed 4% to the total vegetables. Of the identified vegetable plant species, 3.6% were trees, 8.9% were sillubs, 32% were climbers and 53.6% were herbs. Further analysis revealed that, plant species belonging to the Family Cucurbitaceae contributed more species for use as vegetables by the indigenous people accounting for 17.9% of the vegetable species in the area. Environmental factors such as % slope, altitude, and fire (the most promincnt disturbance in the area, especially during the dry season) were collccted. Plant species for both dry and wet seasons were classified into 4 and 5 community types respectively, using SYNTAX computer program. The vegetation results revealed instability of plant communities. Fire incidences in the area and the effect of climate were responsible for manifestation of two sets of communities. Thus, the dry season community types are the vegetation types of Mgori Forest Reserve. The distribution of plant species and sample plots in relation to environmental variables were subjected into analysis of variance (ANOVA). Species diversity, richness and evenness were generally found to be high in sample plots belonging to wet season community types and generally low in dly season community types. Plant species diversity and richness decreased with distance from the homesteads. The woodlands and shrub lands had high plant species than the grasslands. Drought and over-harvesting are repolied to be the main cause for the scarcity of some vegetable plant species. However, no vegetable plant species in the IUeN red list of threatened species was identified. A number of indigenous practices used by the local people have been documented. Most wild and cultivated vegetables were found to grow more on disturbed lands, such as farmlands, fallow lands and less in the natural forest. Only 39% of the identified vegetables in the area were found to grow in the natural forest. Their density and cover abundance values recorded higher during the wet season community types and lower in dry season, which means more of these vegetables are annuals. Their density and cover abundance values also decreased as one moved from the villages towards the forest. Recommendations towards the conservation of vegetable plant species in the area are put forward ..
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    An Ethno botanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Farta Wereda,South Gonder Zone of Amhara Region Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Amsalu Nigussie; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Kelbessa Ensermu (Professor)
    An Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plant was carried out in Farta Wereda which is found in South Gonder Zone of the Amhara National Regional State that is about 666 km away from north of Addis Ababa. The objective of the study is to conduct ethnobotanical investigation in the area in order to compile and document medicinally important plants in accordance with their traditional practice. The study has been carried out from October 20, 2009 to May 5, 2010 to get valuable information from 20 randomly selected kebeles of Farta Wereda in Amhara National Regional State. In each sample Kebele five informants who are traditional healers and knowledgeable persons were interviewed and randomly selected that make up a total of 100 informants. The ethonobotanocal data were collected through interviewing local communities including local ‘debteras,’ religious leaders, students and Kebele administrators. Primary data were collected using guided field walk, group discussion, semistructured interview and participant observation in the field. The inhabitants of the area have used the medicinal plants not only for medicinal value but also for various purposes and have for a long time been dependent on the surrounding plant resources for their food, shelter, fodders, for their animals, health care and other cultural purposes. In total 146 species belonging to 133 genera and 71 families were recorded. Of these, 136 plant species grouped under 68 families and 123 genera were used to treat human and livestock ailments. Taxa commonly used belong to 4 families such as Asteraceae (9.56 %), Solanaceae (6.62%) and Fabaceae and Lamiaceae (5.15 %, each) in number of species. Herbs formed a major component (41.9%) while shrubs, trees and climbers constitute 32.35 %, 18.38 % and 7.35 % respectively. The study showed that preparation and administration of medicinal plants include several methods. The most frequently used plant parts for the preparations of remedy were leaves 56 (34.78 %), roots 29 (18.01 %) and fruits 17 (10.56%). These medicinal plant parts were processed in various forms and the major ones include crushing 51 (23.29%), powdering 42 (19.18 %) and boiling 19 (8.68 %). The most common mode of administration was oral (52.97 %) followed by dermal (30.14 %). The main threats to medicinal plants in the study area were agricultural expansion, firewood, grazing, drought and construction. It is therefore, recommended that the local people have to be encouraged to cultivate medicinal plants in their homegarden. Key words: conservation, ethnobotany, Farta, healthcare, IK, medicinal plant
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    Ethnobotanical Study of Edible Oil Crops As A Companion of Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench and Biochemical Genetic Analysis Of In Situ and Ex Situ Conserved Guizotia Abyssinica (L.F.) Cass.Gern:Plasn: Fron: North Shewa and South Welo
    (Addis Ababa University, 2001-06) Geleta Mulatu; Bekele Endashaw (Professor); Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    South Welo alld 1I0rth Shew{1 are the cellter for the diversity of Sorghum bicolor. S.orghum is cultivated ill close association with oil crops maillly because of their com billed uses ill the cultural feeding system of local people. The presence of multipwpose sorghum lalldraces in the area have played a significant role for oil crop species diversity and their ill situ conservation, as each oil crop has its own unique domain in its combined use with sorghum. The companionship of sorghum and oil crops is multidimensional, which includes multiple cropping practices at the field level, multi-component food values. Their companionship is deep rooted to the level of society's traditional beliefs alld sacrifices and cultural life. Guizotia abyssinica alld Sesamum indicum are the most important oil crops of the area with strongest companionship with sorghum both at the field level and home level. The stronger the companionship of a given oil crop with sorghum at home level, the stronger the companionship at field level too. This result is based lipan (i) the interviews with local farmers (both males and females) with heterogeneous age groups, and (ii) field survey together with local farmers and the in situ team in order to collect data on the cropping pat/ems and degree of companionship of sorghum and edible oil crops. Different AgromOlphological traits ji-om si?, oil crops were analyzed for the plllpose of obtaining the level of variability among populations of each oil crop and correlation between traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis were conducted for quantitative traits, while Shannon's diversity index analysis was conducted for qualitative traits, to see the potential genetic diversity of these oil crops. Capsule length, number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule are important for high yield in Sesamum indiculII. Number of branches per plant and number of heads per plant are the main traits that determine yield in Guizotia abyssinica. In Carthamus tinctorius, number of capitulum per plant, which is a primal'), trait to determine yield, did not show significant correia lion with other traits studied. In Brassica carinata, number oj primm)' branches per plant, plant height and nlllnber of seeds per capsule show significant positive correlation between themselves implying that these traits might be important agronomic traits for high yield. Shannon diversity estimates revealed that more than 74% oj the total variation is due to within populations or area, for all species analyzed. Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) was used to assess genetic variability in twenty in , situ conserved populations and twenty ex situ conserved populations of Guizotia abyssinca. MLEE analysis at four enzyme loci scores 19 alleles. All 19 alleles were recorded in both in situ and ex situ populations. Dendrograms constructed based on Nei's genetic distance values show that there is no clear differentiation between the two groups. All four loci were polymO/phic and characterized by significant heterozygote deficiency (P
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    Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Wayu Tuka Wereda, East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Megersa Moa; Kelbessa Ensermu (Professor); Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by local people of Wayu Tuka Wereda was carried out from September 2009 to June 2010. The study focused on the investigation of the traditional uses of various plants, of the study area. The data were gathered from indigenous people, local healers and knowledgeable elders of the study area. A total of 63 informants (41 male and 22 female) aged between 19-102 years were randomly selected from nine Kebeles. Relevant information were collected by using semi-structured interview, market survey, field observation and discussion. Preference ranking, paired comparison, and direct matrix ranking were used for data analysis. Based on visual classification, 6 communities were identified; natural and the other 3 from homegardens. Out of the 202, 126 were studied for their medicinal uses. Medicinal plant species are distributed in 108 genera and 56 families. Fabaceae consisted of 15 species while Solanaceae, were recorded 8 species. A large number of medicinal plants was collected from natural habitat 86(68%), whereas 33(26%) from homegardens and 7(5.5%) occur both in the homegardens and natural habitat. About 78(62%) of medicinal plants were reported for treatment of human, while 23 (18.2%) were for livestock ailments. In addition, 25(20%) were reported for treatment of both human and livestock ailments. In the study area, leaves (43%) and roots (18.5%) were the two frequently utilized plant parts for preparation of remedies. Crushing which accounted for 29% was a widely used method of preparation of traditional medicine in the study area. This is followed by powdering (28%) whereas; large numbers of the medicinal plants were cited to be used in fresh form, few were used dry. The most common mode of administration was found to be oral (64%). Analysis of preference ranking showed, Acmella caulirhiza was the most preferred medicinal plant by people of the study area to treat tonsillitis. Paired comparison showed that Cucumis ficifolius was found to be the most preferred plant to treat blackleg. Some medicinal plants are popular than others in treating various diseases. For instance, Allium sativum and Ocimum urticifolium were found to be the most popular since each medicinal plant was reported 55 times (8 %.). Concerning informant consensus factor, the highest ICF values were linked to problems associated with Malaria and Headache (0.85) followed by Fibril illness, Swelling and Evil eye (0.79). The lowest ICF value was linked with Rabies (0.25). Deforestation (agricultural expansion, construction and wood material for fire) urbanization and over collection were reported to be the major threats to medicinal plants. In addition, the apparent disinterest of the young generation in traditional medicine has become a profound problem for the continuity of the knowledge of medicinal plants. The effort of local people in conserving medicinal plants is minimal since much of medicinal plants have been gathered from the wild. To tackle the depletion of knowledge from ever loss, awareness of young generation on the usage of traditional medicine is recommended. Key words: Conservation, Deforestation, Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants Traditional medicine, Wayu Tuka Wereda
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    An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Wondo Genet Natural Forest and Adjacent Kebeles, Sidama Zone, Snnp Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2011-06) Tamene Sintayehu; Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    An ethnobotanical study was conducted in Wondo Genet Wereda between December 01 to 23, 2010 and February 02 to 21, 2011. The objective of this study was to document indigenous medicinal plant utilization, management and the threats affecting them. Information was gathered from 80 people (63 males and 17 females). The informants, except the healers, were selected randomly and no appointment was made prior to the visits. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews with informants, field observations, guided field walk, group discussion, preference, paired comparison and direct matrix ranking with traditional medicine practitioners. The ethnomedicinal use of 85 plant species was documented in the study area used as cure for 61 ailments. They are distributed across 79 genera and 44 families. Of these, 54 medicinal plants were reported for human ailments treatment, eight for livestock and 23 for both human and livestock ailment treatment. Most of the medicinal species were collected from the wild. The most frequently utilized plant parts were leaves followed by stem bark and roots. The largest number of remedies was used to treat intestinal parasites infections followed by pneumonia and external injuries like body swellings. This probably indicates a high incidence of these types of diseases in the area, possibly due to the poor socio-economic and sanitary conditions of the people. The administration routes are oral, external, ear and nasal. Preference ranking analysis indicates that Solanum incanum ranked first and most effective medicinal plant to cure intestinal problems followed by Phytolacca dodecandra and Vernonia amygdalina in human and for livestock Ranunculus multifidus ranked first and most effective medicinal plant to cure pneumonia. The pair wise comparison showed that Stephania abyssinica ranked first and most effective medicinal plant to cure jaundice in humans as compared to the others. Direct matrix analysis showed that Eucalyptus citriodora ranked first and it is the most preferred plant by local people for various uses. Cordia africana and Podocarpus falcatus scored second and third. This shows that both trees are more preferable or have high utility value for the local community. The medicinal plants that were presumed to be effective in treating a certain disease had higher ICF values. Informant consensus analysis showed that ailments like rabies, poisoning and snake bite scored the highest value (0.98). Evil spirit and evil eye scored the second highest value (0.97). Wound and body swelling (0.83), intestinal parasite (0.75) and pneumonia and jaundice scored the lowest values (0.63) respectively. The principal threatening factors for medicinal plants reported were agricultural expansion and fire. Documenting the eroding plants and associated indigenous knowledge can be used as a basis for developing management plans for conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants in the area. Key words: Wondo Genet, Medicinal plant, Indigenous knowledge, Informant consensus
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    An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used by the Maasai People of Many Ara- Arusha, Tanzania
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2001-06) A. Njau Efrem; Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    An ethnobotanical study was carried out to document infonnation on the use of medicinal plants by the Maasai people living at the vicinity of Lake Manyara National Park', Monduli District in Arusha, Tanzania. Six villages or study sites were chosen randomly: Mto wa Mhu, Moyamayoka, Losirwa, Silale, Selela and Ngo'goro. It was assumed that indigenous knowledge related to biodiversity conservation and use of medicinal plants of this cultural group of people was getting lost or not well documented. The main method of study was based on semi-structured interviews and discussion with selected infonnants (Maasai elders and healers). A vegetation survey was conducted to investigate the habitat status of the reported medicinal plants between the protected area inside Lake Manyara National Park and outside the park for conservation and monitoring purposes. A total of 54 plant species belonging to 33 families and 44 genera were cited as being used by the Maasai of Manyara for their medicinal value. Of these medicinal plants, 49 plant species or 90% were trees and shrubs. Very few grasses and climbers are used. The result from Kruskall-Wallis and Friedman's test shows that there is high significant difference (**P< 0.0001, KW=63.036 and Fr=52.746) between trees and herbs/grasses for the medicinal plants used by the Maasai. Further analysis shows that plant species belonging to the families FABACEAE and EUPHORBIACEAE are the most used in Maasai remedial systems. Family Fabaceae account for 22% of the total medicinal plant species and Euphorbiaceae contributes 13% of the total medicinal cited. Out of these 54 plant species, 25 species are used for h'eatment of Inunan aihnents and 29 species are used for treahnent of animal diseases. Adansonia digi/a/a, Albizia an/heIll1in/ica and Warburgia ugandensis are used for the treahnent of both humans' and veterinary diseases. Barks and roots form the major component of plant parts collected accounting for 61 % of the recorded medicinal plants. Most of the remedies are prepared in the fonn of decoction from single plant or as concoctions involving more than one plant. Seventy six percent of the reported medicinal plants are taken orally. Some additives such as meat and bone soup are added to improve palatability. With the exception of Azadirachta indica (mwarobaini), all other medicinal plants (about 98%) are harvested from the wild, which may indicate that Maasai have little practice of bringing medicinal plants under cultivation. Twenty seven percent of reported medicinal plants that were used to be forest-inhabited species are currently reported to have been rarely enco\lIltered in the area. Lel/cas martinicensis, Allium ampe/oprasllm and Pappea capensis are among the threatened species in the area. Seventy one percent of the recorded medicinal plants that are mostly trees and shmbs are commonly or occasionally enco\lIltered. Habitat degradation and intense deforestation have been the leading cause for depletion of medicinal plants. From tile vegetation data it is confirmed that Lake Manyara National Park (LMNP) is very rich in terms of medicinal plants especially those derived from Fabaceae. 11l\1s, a greater emphasis should be given to conserve the park not only for its fauna as it is tile case now but also its flora. Maasai are very rich in terms of the ethnoveterinary knowledge; this calls for a further study of their remedial system to taste for phannaceutical efficacy of their medicines.
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    An Ethnobotanical Study of Plants Used in Traditional Medicine and As Wild Foods an and Around Tara Gedam and Amba Remnant Forests in Libo Kemkem Wereda, South Gonder Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2011-06) Chekole Getnet; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Kelbessa Ensermu (Professor)
    This study documents plant species used as medicinal and wild food along with the traditional knowledge on utilization plant resources by local people in and around Tara Gedam and Amba Forests in Libo Kemkem Wereda, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The field study was conducted between November, and Juanuary 2010. A total of 106 informants were sampled from 13 study sites preferencially selected in and around the forests studied and a variety of ethnobotanical methods were applied including semi-structured interviews, field observations, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, paired comparisons and informant consensus with traditional healers and elderly people of the user groups. A total of 175 plant species have been identified in and around the forests. Among these, 163 species are medicinal plants belonging to 145 genera and 67 families. Of these, 115 (70.6%) species are used to treat only human ailments, 14 (8.6%) species are used for livestock ailments only and 34 (20.9%) species are reported for both human and livestok ailments. These medicinal plants are used to treat about 60 types of human ailments, nine types of animal ailments and 10 types of both animals and human ailments. The family Asteraceae was represented by highest number of 14 (8.6%) of medicinal plants, followed by the Fabaceae with 13 (8%) and Solanaceae 10 (6.1%) species. Most of them have medicinal properties in their leaf, bark, root, stem, flower, seed and fruits. Medicine from these plant parts is prepared as fresh, dried and both fresh and dried state in the form of crushed, crushed and powdered, boiled, chewed and chopped plants material. Meanwhile, a total of 33 plant species distributed in 30 genera and 25 families were recorded as wild foods in the study area. Of these, 21 (63.6%) species serve the local community both as sources of food and traditional medicine (nutraceutical plants). Fruit is found to be the most edible plant part and mostly taken as raw. Elderly people and traditional healers of the areas possess vast knowledge on wild food plants and ethnomedicinal practices along with the ecological distribution of plants in comparison with the young generation. The knowledge transfer system is quite restricted within the family. Users were found less aware of conservation of medicinal and wild food plants and those of uses, plants which have multiple use value. Therefore, plants found in and around Tara Gedam and Amba forests are very important as medicinal wild foods for curing ailments as well as sources of food during normal times and when there is shortage of food. It is not only essential to conserve such a wealth of information hidden among the local people, but also to apply them to modern knowledge of science and technology to meet the ever increasing requirements of humankind. Keywords/Phrases: Ethnobotany, Tara Gedam and Amba Forests, Traditional Medicine, Wild Food plants
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    Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants of Goma Wereda, Jima Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Etana Behailu; Demissew Sebsebe (Professor); Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was conducted to document the indigenous plant-based medical knowledge of the people of Goma Wereda in southwestern Ethiopia from September, 2009 to May, 2010. A total of 100 informants (73 males and 27 females) between the ages of 20 and 80 were selected to collect information on medicinal plant use from ten sampled kebeles. Out of these, 24 key informants (22 males and 2 females) were purposively selected based on recommendation from elders and local authorities. Other informants were selected randomly. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, field observations and group discussions. Informant consensus, preference ranking, paired comparison, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus factor (ICF) and Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity were calculated. A total of 160 plant species: 101 species from wild vegetation and 59 species from home gardens distributed in 124 genera and 58 families were collected and identified. Of these, 121 medicinal plant species were used as cure for 102 ailments. From these, 92 species were recorded for the treatment of human health problems, 12 species for livestock and 17 species for the treatment of both human and livestock. From the total medicinal plants species 54 species of the medicinal plants were herbs, followed by 30 species of shrubs, 26 species of trees and 11 species of climbers. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (61.66%) followed by roots (13.33%). The most widely used method of preparation was crushing (26.80%) of the different plant parts followed by squeezing (22.68 %) and burning (7.21%). The common route of administration recorded was oral (52.01%) followed by dermal (28.52%) and nasal (8.3 %). The most commonly used application of medicinal plant was drinking (43.37%) followed by painting (10.84%) and put on and washing accounted for 10.84% each. The medicinal plants that are presumed to be effective in treating certain diseases such as Ocimum lamiifolium and Croton macrostachyus have high informant consensus. The disease categories such as rheumatism and stabbing pain as well as the categories of evil eye and evil spirit have higher ICF value of 0.907. Preference ranking showed that people of the area have preference for Acmella caulirhiza for the treatment of tonsillitis. Paired comparison of five species of plants that are used for the same disease showed that Indigofera spicata is the most preferred species by traditional healers for the treatment of insect allergy (‘Hadha’). Direct matrix ranking showed Cordia africana as the most utilized species by the community. Agricultural expansion, firewood collection, timber production and construction are major threats to plants in general and medicinal plants in particular in the study area. The participation of the local people, awareness raising through training or education on sustainable utilization and management of plant resources, establishment of forest protected areas should be encouraged. Key words: Ethiopia, Ethnobotany, Goma. homegardens, informant consensus factor
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    An Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants And Their Conservation Status in Mecha Wereda, West Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2011-06) Gebeyehu Getaneh; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Demissew Sebsebe (Professor)
    An ethnobotanical study on the medicinal plants was conducted in Mecha Wereda which is found in West Gojjam Zone of Amhara National Regional State. It is located about 535 km northwest of Addis Ababa. The objective of the study was to conduct an ethnobotanical investigation in order to compile and document the use and conservation status of traditional medicinal plants in the area. The study was carried out from November 23, 2010 to May 1, 2011 to obtain valuable information from 16 selected kebeles of the study area. In each sample kebele five informants that made up of a total of 80 informants were selected and interviewed. Key informants were selected by purposive random sampling whereas the other informants were selected randomly from the local people of the study area. The ethnobotanical data were gathered through interviewing local communities including local ‘Merigeta’, ‘Debtera’ religious leaders, ‘Balezar’, students and kebele administrators. Primary data were collected using guided field walk, group discussion, semi-structured interview and participatory observation in the field. The inhabitants of the study area used medicinal plants not only for medicinal purpose but also food, shelter, forage, construction and other cultural uses. In the study, a total of 107 medicinal plants belonging to 96 genera and 52 families were recorded and used to treat both human and livestock ailments. The largest diversity of species recorded belonged to four families including the Asteraceae (11.2%), Solanaceae (7.47%), Lamiaceae and Fabaceae (4.67%). Shrubby habits were the major growth form (41.1%) while herbaceous, tree and climbing habits accounted for 36.5%, 15.9% and 6.5% respectively. The study showed that the most frequently used plant parts for the preparation of traditional medicine were leaves (29.8%) followed by roots (22.4%) and fruits (11.2%). These medicinal plant parts were processed in various ways of which the major ones included squeezing (24.9%), powdering (16.6%) and crushing and soaking (infusion) (14.5%). The most common route of administration was oral (55.4%) followed by dermal (26.9%). The status of traditional medicinal plants encountered rarely (12.1%), occasionally (38.4%) and common (49.5%). Among these, 6 (5.7%) of medicinal plant species out of 16 species collected in the homegardens were wild cultivated primarily for the purpose of medicinal uses. The main threats to medicinal plants in the study area were agricultural expansion, firewood, construction, grazing and drought. Therefore, it is recommended that cultivation of medicinal plants should be motivated in homegardens. Keywords: conservation, ethnobotany, IK, Mecha Wereda, medicinal plants
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    An Ethnobotanical Study of Useful Plants of the Farming Site in Gozamen Wereda, East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-05) Reta Haimanot; Kelbessa Ensermu (Professor); Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    An ethnobotanical study of useful plants in Gozamen Wereda with special emphasis on cultivated plants was conducted from November 20/2009- January 1/2010. The study was aimed at documenting indigenous knowledge of people on plants in their farming complex and maintenance of local crop genetic resource. Six kebeles were selected based on altitude range between 1500 and 3500 m a s l., at which many crops can grow. Sixty farmers (10 females &50 males) were systematically selected from 120 farmers that have well established homegarden and farm fields. Ten key informants from 60 ordinary informants were selected systematically. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews, direct field observation, group discussion and market survey. The collected data was analyzed by using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, paired comparison, and use value analysis. A total of 136 plant species (29 trees, 30 shrubs, 73 herbs, and 4 climbers) in 48 families were collected and identified from two farming sites. The plants can be grouped in to 10 major use categories i.e., 39 multipurpose plants, 38 food plants, 19 medicinal plants, 10 spice plants, 8 neutracetical plants, 7 both spice and medicinal plants, 4 both fragrant and medicinal plant, 3 stimulants, 1 fragrant plant and 7 others. Food plants are further classified in to major classes as cereals, pulses, oil crops, fruits and vegetables. Preference ranking on major cereal crops for making ‘injera’ and use value of 8 farmer’s variety of Hordeum vulgare was made. Traditional practices like selecting the soil type, improving the fertility of soil, determining time of sowing, obtaining planting materials through different methods, seed storage techniques, weed and pest management, mixed cropping, perception about exotic seed and their effect shows the farmers diversified knowledge in their farming system. The market utility value of desired fragrant plants, vegetables and threats that hinder production of major fruit and vegetable crops were further analyzed by paired comparison. In general, the local people are experts on plants that are grown in their homestead and farm fields. Before deciding to clear or cut or weed the plant, farmers evaluate the plant based on different criteria acquired through their life long experience than ordinary agriculturalists decide to reach conclusion about the plant. A greater evaluation criteria in kind and dimension have been giving a chance to the plant either tolerated, managed and/or cultivate d by farmers so as to conserve agrobiodiversty of the study area.
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    Ethnobotanical Study on Medicinal Plants Used by Indigenous Local Communities in Minjar-Shenkora Wereda, North Shewa Zone of amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2010-06) Alemayehu Getu; Kelbessa Ensermu (Professor); Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    An ethnobothanical study was carried out to document information on the use of medicinal plants by the Minjar Shenkora Wereda People. The main method of study was semi-structured interview and discussion with informants from among Minjars’ elders and healers. A total of 118 plants species belonging to 53 families were identified for their medicinal value. Forty-eight species (40.67%) were shrubs, 46 species (38.98%) were herbs and 16 species (13.55%) were trees. Very few climbers (8 species; 6.77%) are used in the local traditional medical practices. The result shows plant species belonging to the families Astraceae and Lamiaceae are most used. A total of 75 plant species are used for treatment of human ailments and 18 species are used for treatment of cattle diseases and 25 species are used for treatment of both human and veterinary diseases. About 54% of the reported medicinal plants are taken orally. Most of the plant species are wild, which is 90 plant species (76.27%) and 25 plant species (21.18%) are cultivated, and 3 species (2.54%) are both in the wild and in cultivate which indicates that local people have little practice of bringing medicinal plants under cultivation. The prepared traditional drugs are administered through different routes of administration. The major routes of administration in the study area include; oral, dermal, nasal, anal, and ocular.Oral administration is the dominante route (54.21%) followed by dermal route (28.91%) in which liqude forms, smashed, jused, powdered forms; exudate forms are recorded methods of preparation techniques. Some of the medicinal plant species documented from the study area have multiple uses such as fuel wood which contains the highest value (44.26 % )followed by construction, and thus most of these plants are found under threats. The threats of medicinal plant species is also one and the main reason to the loss of the associated knowledge. Key words: Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal plants, Minjar.
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    Ethnobotanical Study on Medicinal Plants Used by Local Communities in Debark Wereda, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2011-06) Abebe Eskedar; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Nemomissa Sileshi (Professor)
    An ethnobotanical study of the knowledge on use and management of medicinal plants by local people in Debark Wereda, North Gondar (Ethiopia), was conducted from October 2010 to May 2011. Semi-structured interviews, field observations and various ranking and comparison methods were employed and information was collected from a sample of 84 informants (36 females and 48 males). These included 24 key and 60 randomly selected informants. A total of 126 plant species, representing 114 genera and 57 families, were collected, and 122 of them were claimed to be traditional medicinal plants. The Asteraceae, which contributed 12 (9.52%) species, stood first followed by Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Euphorbiaceae with 11, 9 and 7 species respectively Most of the species (72) were collected from the wild while 50 were collected from homegardens. A total of 88 (76.03%) species were mentioned for the treatment of 62 human ailments while 10 species were used to treat 20 livestock health problems. Herbs were the most used plants, accounting for 60 (49.58%) species, followed by shrubs, trees and climbers. The most frequently used plant part was the leaves (50.27%) and fresh plant materials (54.39%). The common route medicine administration were oral (45.99%), followed by dermal and nasal. Some of the remedies are taken with additives and solvents including water (33.76), butter (16.88%) and honey (15.58%). The most widely used method of preparation was squeezing (33.33%) of the different plant parts followed by crushing (25%). The most commonly used application of medicinal plant was drinking (31.22%) followed by creamed (19.45%) and dropping (12.21%). Medicinal plants with higher informant consensus included Zehneria scabra, Verbascum sinaiticum and Rumex nepalensis while the disease category with the highest ICF value (0.870) was fibril illness. There was high preference for Plantogo lanceolata for treating wound while paired comparison showed Zehneria scabra to be the most preferred species for treatment of fibril illness by traditional healers. Cordia africana was shown to be the top multipurpose species while agricultural expansion, firewood collection and charcoal making were considered major threats to plants in general and medicinal plants in particular. Provisions for participation of the local people, awareness raising and establishment of protected forests need encouraging. Key words: Ethnobotany, Debark, traditional healers, traditional medicinal plant
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    Frost Resistance in Indigenous Barley (Hordeulll Vulgare L.) Land Races Cul Tiv Ated At Different Altitudinal Ranges in Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2001-03) G/ Egziabher Yemane; Fetene Masresha (PhD); Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    Physiological investigations were made on 25 barley (Hordelllll vulgare L.) landraces and acceSSIOns to screen for fi'ost resistance. Samples were collected fi'om three sites, in Amhara administrative rcgion, north Wolo and Tigrai administrative region, south and east Tigrai (north Ethiopia) in November 1999. Experimental work was conducted fi'om January to March after the seedlings have been grown for about a month in an open field at the Science Campus, Addis Ababa University. Accessions fi'om mCR were included for altitude ranges from which field collections were not made. Etlmobotanical study was also conducted in order to get infOimation on the indigenous practices that may be enabling fanners to continue barley cultivation in fi'ost prevailing areas. In the surveyed areas, at least half of the fatmlands of the peasant fanners were prepared for barley cultivation during the main rainy season, the rest being for legumes as well as wheat. The interviewees indicated enviroillnental stresses such as insufficient rainfall, low soil fertility and fi'ost effect as main limiting factors of barley production. They also responded that none of them had ever practiced selection of barley for resistance to fi·ost. However, early maturing barley types are cultivated in higher altitudes when there is scarcity ofrainfall, which also escape severe fi·ost. The late bariey landraces were neglected by the fatmers due to the unreliable rainfall. The ethnobotanical investigation indicated that barley is used as a major food grain alone or in combination with other cereals utilized in different forms of foodstuffs. Moreover, it has both religious and cultural values. A total of 25 samples were evaluated using conductivity and chlorophyll a fluorescence methods. Based on membrane stability and fluorescence studies, the potential survival temperature of the samples rangcd from -6.48 °C to -8.64 °C. Barley landraces from Abune-Yosef, Smp3 (Tedowasha) and Smp13 (Awarye), which were collected from altitudes of 3270 and 3300m as\. as well as accessions AccS (Kokufa) and Acc2 (Chellka) from Bale altitude of2430m and l6S0m as\., respectivel y were found to be relatively the most frost resistant in both methods. Samples Smp21 (Saeda-Shewa) from Tsibet-Embahasti altitude of3100m as\. as well as Acc\3 from Arsi altitude of 2800m as\. were found to be relatively the most susceptible in conductivity and fluorescence analysis methods, respectively. The study showed that -5°C (using conductivity method) and -4 °C (using fluorescence analysis) were the highest sub-zero temperatures at which the samples could be differentiated easily. Altitude of site of sample collection had a slight positive correlation with fi'ost resistance. The two methods had consistency and showed variations among the samples and are thus recommended for screening barley landraces and accessions. Fluorescence analysis was found to be a more sensitive method.
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    Homegardens and Spices of Basketo and Kafa (Southwest Ethiopia): Plant Diversity, Product Valorization and Implications to Biodiversity Conservation
    (Addis Ababa University, 2011-02) Woldeyes Feleke; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Demissew Sebsebe (Professor); Roussel Bernard (PhD)
    Traditional agricultural landscapes support an important level of biological and cultural diversity. Significant components of such landscapes are homegardens which represent sustainable farming systems. In this study, homegardens of Basketo Special Woreda and Kafa Zone in the South Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State (SNNPRS) of Ethiopia, with a special emphasis on spice-yielding plants, have been investigated. The study aimed at understanding local peoples’ role in maintenance of biological resources and also the impact of ongoing homegarden related changes on the conservation of biological diversity. In the study, local resource perception, classification, management, and use norms were assessed; plant biological diversity at different levels of the landscape was measured; and also trends in the commercialization of local spices were analyzed. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, group discussions, garden tour, guided field walks and observation methods. Some of the data collected through interviews were analyzed using preference ranking and paired comparison. Measurements on quantitative traits of kororima (Aframomum corrorima) were made; biological diversity at garden section, whole garden and landscape levels were evaluated using different diversity measurement indices. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine chemical compositions of kororima seeds and kororima growing soils, and also seed germination potential. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent sample T-test, and Pearson correlation. Computer programs SPSS, PAST and R were used for data analysis. A total of 280 species were recorded from the managed landscapes of the two areas. Infraspecific diversity was recorded in a number of crop plants with enset (Ensete ventricosum) exhibiting the maximum number of local varieties/clones (26 in Basketo and 70 in Kafa). Existence of local worldview related resource use norm, elaborate and adaptive resource management, and well developed classification systems which take different forms are also observed. The homegardens of Basketo and Kafa, beyond their role as the main source of household subsistence, serve as central element around which other components of thelandscape are organized. Biodiversity is cultivated in these farming units as a result of the framers’ innate perception of the values of biodiversity and also the characteristic organization of the gardens that promoted concentration of plant diversity. Spice-yielding plants, whose products are of major importance for household consumption and commercial exchange, constitute vital components of the gardens. Twenty four species of spice-yielding plants are encountered in each of the study areas and these account for 16.11% and 12.44% of total species composition of Basketo and Kafa gardens respectively. Although local spices are used for both household consumption and income generation, correlation analysis indicated that spice-yielding plants are raised in the garden primarily for household use. However, as the current trend shows, spices are increasingly becoming market-oriented with kororima (Aframomum corrorima) being the most-commercialized of all the spices produced in the two areas. Kororima, an indigenous spice which has been traded for long, is of major importance in terms of socio-economic and ecological perspectives. Currently, homegardens are undergoing an unusual dynamics because of agricultural development intervention activities and also market driven factors. Some crops like coffee (Coffea arabica) which bring better economic return are expanding at the expense of enset that forms the basic element of the garden and other indigenous crops. Drastic alteration of these crop production units could lead to unwanted impacts including disruption of local livelihoods and serious deterioration of biological diversity. Valorization of spices and other products originating from the homegardens, by securing better financial benefits to farmers, can aid in slowing down the rate of change thereby contributing to the maintenance of the agro-ecosystems and the interlinked components of the local environment. Keywords: homegardens, spices-yielding plants, kororima, valorization, biodiversity, emic categorization, Basketo, Kafa
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    Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study of Medicinal Plants and Nyamwezi People in Tabora Region, Tanzania
    (Addis Ababa University, 1999-06) Lawrence Mkabwa; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Mwalyosi R.B. (Professor)
    This study was geared to obtaining and documenting indigenous knowledge used by Nyamwezi people in Tabora region (Tanzania) to conserve and utilise sustainably the diversity of medicinal plants. Tabora rural distllct in which this study was conducted is one of the districts occupied by Nyamwezi people. Four administrative wards were chosen randomly: Magiri, Ilolangulu, Igalula, and Ikongolo. The indigenous knowledge of this cultural group was thought to be impOt1ant due to the fact that Tabora region falls in the 'Miombo' woodland zone where about 60% of the plants are known to have medicinal value. Another factor was that human activities in Tabora are threatening plant survival today. The fact that indigenous knowledge of Nyamwezi was getting eroded with the biodiversity like that of other indigenous cultural groups elsewhere, made this study important. Three survey methods were employed during this study to collect data trom the field. Two participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tec1miques were used to collect indigenous knowledge related to conservation of medicinal plants and/or their habitats. PRA techniques used were open-ended conversation and intriguing practice and beliefs. Semistructured interview was used to obtain the commonly used medicinal plants and related aspects. This method was also employed to ascertain the household's therapy. Paired comparison was used to find out the activities considered most threatening to the diversity of medicinal plants and/or their habitats. It was found that Nyamwezi people host important indigenous knowledge/practice that can be blended with fonnal tec1miques to conserve biodiversity effectively. These include Nyamwezi people beliefs and taboos regarding the conservation and use of medicinal plants, handling and care of sacred groves (Mazimbu), home gardens and observing indigenous rules and regulations. Concerning household's treatment, it was observed that a large number of Nyamwezi people use both traditional and formal healing systems for their primary health care. There was highly significant difference (**p
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    Morphological and Biochemical Diversity of Emmer Wheat (Triticum Dicoccum (Schrank) Schub.) in Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 1993) Tesfaye Kassahun; Bekele Endashaw (Professor); Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    MOIphological and isozyme diversity study of 55 emmer wheat (TriticuIII dicocculII (Schrank) Schub.) populations and the associated ethnobotanical knowledge in Arsi and Bale have been undertaken in this study. A total of 55 landrace populations (25-45 single plant per population which is a total of 1885 entries) were considered for mOlphological study. Protein content was determined for the 37 emmer wheat populations following the standard procedure. The dl)' malter, ash, organic matter and Ca were done for 55 emmer wheat population following the standard protocol. The isozyme variations in the three enzyme systems: esterase (EST), acid phosphatase (ACP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AA T) were investigated for 12 emmer wheat populations selected after clustering them on mOlphological characters. Mean, coefficient of variations, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficients cluster analysis, chi- square test, multidimensional scaling, and discriminant analysis were done for each mOlphological character. Correspondence analysis and Shannon's diversity index (H,) were used to estimate the morpholOgical variation. The coefficient of variation was large for most traits in Shewa indicating more diversity in this region. This was further confirmed by Shannon's diversity index where the mean diversity (H ') was the highest in this region (0.78) followed by Harerghe and Gonder, the least diversity index was shown by Tigray region. H' at population level ranged frOIll O(lIIonomOlphic) to 1 (poIYIIIOlphic) for sOllie traits. The overall mean diversity for Ethiopia was estimated to be H' ~ 0.75. Farlllers in the study area assert/hat emmer wheat is mOlphologically uniform and this was confirmed through field observation. This crop has important traits in disease resistance, stress tolerance and traditional use values. Fanners in Arsi and Bale regions have their own folklore, songs, and sayings on this particular crop to indicate its use value and problems related with its hulledness. Phenotypic polymO/phism was observed for the three ellZymes. Relatively higher variation was observed for esterase ellZyme i>ystem and no variation was detected for enzyme system aspartate amino transferase (AAT). Positive (though not significant) correlation was observed between mOlphological diversity index and mean heterozygosity based on isozyme data. The Arsi and Bale area niakes an important in-situ conservation site for em/ner wheat because of the specialty of the crop to the society. Key words: Triticum dicoccum, emmer wheat diversity, morphological character, protein, isozyme, ethnobotany
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    Morphological and Molecular Diversity in Durum Wheat (Triticum DurumDesf.) Landraces of North Shewa
    (Addis Ababa University, 1999-05) Tamiru Mulualem; Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    Morphological and molecular diversity study and the associated ethnobotanical profile of durum wheat landraces (farmers' varieties) of North Shewa have been undertaken in this study. Morphological diversity stndy on thirteen durnm wheat popnlations (381 genotypes) ,collected earlier by the Biodiversity Conservation and Research Institute from five awrajas and ten weredas of North Shewa region, was conducted using six heritable qualitative traits. The diversity was estimated using Shannon Weaver diversity index (H'). H' was estimated for each population, wereda, awraja and altitudinal class and the entire collection. On population basis H' is lowest at Basona Warena wereda (0.25 ± 0.08) and highest at Kimbibit Wereda (0.65 ± 0.16). On awraja basis H' ranged from (0.50 ± 0.03) in Gam Midir to (0.73 ± 0.10) in Selale. On altitudinal basis, the third altitudinal class (2401-2600 m.a.s.l.) sc ored the highest H' (0.78). The diversity index for the study area is very high (0.79 ± 0.08). On character basis seed color showed the highest H' (0.97). Only glume pubescence was conspicuously unique to specific awmja and altitudinal class. A high diversity of the crop is also observed from the ethnobotany study. A total of twenty-five different farmers' varieties having different vernacular names were recorded. The environmental, social (cultural) and economic factors were identified by the farmer as factors for maintaining the existing diversity. The different varieties have important merits in agronomy, disease resistance, traditional use values and so on. Farmers have their own folk taxonomy system for identifying and classifying their varieties. The Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular technique with a gluten-coding single primer system with the following sequence, { 5'- ATG AAG ACC TTC CTC GTC TT- 3'} { 5'-AAC GCC GAA TGG CAC ACT A- 3' } showed good demonstration of the inter-population diversity of the thirteen populations. Except three populations, all the rest showed diffel'ent banding patterns with different base pair fmgments for the same primer used. Generally the whole study confirmed the existence of strikingly high diversity of durum wheat in the study area and underlines the role of the indigenous knowledge of farmers for the existing diversity. Key words: Wheat, Triticum dUrlIm, landraces (fanners' varieties), diversity index (H') Morphological traits, ethnobotany, RAPD.
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    Plant Diversity and Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Ankober District, North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-06) Lulekal Ermias; Asfaw Zemede (PhD)
    This research aimed at providing documentation and analysis of plant diversity in Dense Forest along with the ethnobotanical knowledge associated with the medicinal plants used by the people in Ankober District, Ethiopia. Vegetation data were collected from 51, 30 m x 30 m quadrats laid for trees at every 50 m altitudinal drop along transects and 5 m x 5 m and 2 m x 2 m subplots for shrubs and herbs, respectively. Woody species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) > 2 cm were counted and cover abundance values estimated. A hierarchical cluster analysis, with PC-ORD for Windows version 5.0 software, was used to identify plant communities and synoptic values for identification of the dominant species for naming plant communities. Frequency, density, DBH, basal area and importance value indices (IVI) of woody species were also computed. Shannon-Wiener diversity index was used to assess species richness and evenness. Sorensen's similarity coefficient was used to measure similarities among communities in Dense Forest, and between Dense and other montane forests. Ethnobotanical data were collected by interviewing 352 informants (235 males and 117 females). Quantitative approaches were used to determine informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), use diversity (UD) and use equitability (UE) values. Ethnomedicinal knowledge held by different informant categories was compared using One-way ANOVA and t-tests. A total of 23 ethanol extracts of various parts of 19 most-preferred medicinal plants were also studied for potential antimicrobial activity against 12 microbial strains using broth microdilution method. The Dense Forest yielded 158 vascular plant species belonging to 143 genera and 75 families. The vegetation of the Forest was classified into five, namely Erica arborea, Maesa lanceolata-Discopodium penninervium, Podocarpus falcatus-Allophylus abyssinicus, Olea europaea-Galiniera saxifraga and Maytenus arbutifolia-Bersama abyssinica community types, based on the PC-ORD hierarchical cluster analysis. The percentage distribution of individual tree species across different DBH classes indicated relatively high proportion (27.26%) of individuals in DBH class 10-20 cm. The highest IVI values were recorded for Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (57.63) and the next for Podocarpus falcatus (45.61). The overall Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness values of Dense Forest were 4.07 and 0.80, respectively. Five representative woody plant population structures were identified. Results of the ethnobotanical study revealed a total of 151 medicinal plant species belonging to 141 genera and 75 families in the whole of Ankober District. The Asteraceae with 13 (9%) species and the Fabaceae with 11 (7.3%) species were families represented by more species in the District. Plants in which roots are used as medicine were more frequent than other parts in the District’s ethnomedicinal lore. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the mean number of medicinal plants reported by respondents in different age classes, literacy levels and experiences. About 123 (81%) species of medicinal plants were cited for one or more non-medicinal uses. The highest ICF value (0.71) was recorded for livestock gastro-intestinal disease category. The highest fidelity level values were recorded for Zehneria scabra (95%) and Hagenia abyssinica (93.75%). About 17 (74%) of the ethanol extracts showed antimicrobial activity against one or more of the microbial strains tested. Extracts from Embelia schimperi showed the strongest antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 64 μg/ml against Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Streptococcus pyogenes. The Dense Forest and the medicinal plants in Ankober District are under pressure due mainly to ever-increasing anthropogenic influences. Thus, the declining vegetation and wild medicinal plants of the area are in need of application of complementary in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Joint management of the Dense Forest with the local people and increased participation of the local people in overall medicinal plant conservation are actions that would save and rehabilitate the fast-declining plant resources with the rich ethnomedicinal wealth in the District. Key words:Ankober, antimicrobial activity, ethnobotany, floristic composition, medicinal plants